Edgartown selectmen began their regular Monday meeting with a simple, solemn tribute to Pat Gregory, the well-known West Tisbury town moderator and Island businessman who was murdered on May 16 while vacationing in California.
“I’d like to open the Edgartown selectmen’s meeting with a moment of silence for Pat Gregory,” chairman Art Smadbeck said.
After a long pause, the selectmen began their business, but the shock and sadness of the tragedy still hung in the room.
The group that operated Eleven North, a restaurant on North Water Street, notified the town that they will surrender the restaurant’s liquor license “due to unforseen circumstances of the business and our inability to renew the lease,” according to a letter submitted to selectmen.
John Roberts, the owner of the property, is negotiating with other groups to operate the restaurant. Any new operators would have to apply for a new license. With the surrender of the license held by Eleven North, there are now two open liquor licenses available in Edgartown.
“They are pursuing other people to go in there, but they’re not ready to let us know who yet,” said town administrator Pam Dolby. The restaurant is undergoing a major renovation.
Selectmen granted an emergency authorization for contractors to block the sidewalk in front of Chesca’s restaurant on North Water Street until Thursday, May 22, so the contractors can replace windows. The work began on Monday, May 19.
Ms. Dolby also notified selectmen that she is working on a major project for town hall.
“I’m working on specs to replace the heating and cooling system,” she said. “I hope that bid can go out sooner rather than later. I hope that work can begin in late fall.”
She also announced that the town has advertised an opening for a procurement officer, who is charged with ensuring that the town complies with complex state laws governing the purchase of goods and services. Jen O’Hanlon, who currently holds the position, is stepping down.
“This is really a key position,” Ms. Dolby said. “They have to get along with all department heads. I would like to have a couple of department heads on the interview committee.”
Ms. Dolby also told selectmen that the planning board has tentatively scheduled a public hearing on June 17, to gather public reaction on a proposal to build eight second-story apartments in an existing building in the Post Office Square complex. The plan won approval from the MVC, but has faced opposition from some who objected to traffic and parking issues.
